A BID for a restaurant on the site of a former Kilwinning pub has been approved - after the plans divided public opinion.

The approved proposal relates to the former Cosy Corner bar on Pathfoot, and the development is one which the applicant says would create a minimum of 10 jobs in the area.

This latest application was the second to be submitted within a year by applicant Mingyan He - though his second proposal was more successful than his first.

Back in June, Mr He had his proposal to turn the old public house into a hot food takeaway rejected by North Ayrshire Council.

The local authority's planning committee refused that 'change of use' application because the site was outwith Kilwinning's town centre and did not support the council's policy of 'Town Centre First'.

Councillors said the takeaway would have a negative effect on the predominantly residential surrounding area - echoing concerns raised by people who objected to the plans.

The takeaway plans were rejected in June - and again in October after the applicant asked for the decision to be reviewed.

The new and now approved proposals will see the restaurant open seven days a week, with lunch served between 12 noon and 2pm and evening service from 4-11pm.

According to documents submitted with the latest application, the new restaurant would have room for seven tables, or around 28 covers, in the front part of the venue, with the former bar area transformed into a kitchen and servery counter.

The application documents do not say what type of restaurant is envisaged for the building.

They do set out proposals for external alterations, with a new accessible entrance at the front of the old pub.

The plans also say the six existing off-street parking spaces at the site would be retained, with no additional spaces provided.

Approval was granted by North Ayrshire Council subject to only one condition - that details of the ventilation system, together with measures which will be adopted to prevent cooking odours and noise nuisance to neighbours, are submitted and approved before the restaurant can begin operations.

The approval of these plans is one which will have locals divided, after nine comments were made on the application.

Of these nine, five were in support of the development, with four opposing it.

One of those against the plans commented on how the odour and increased footfall will affect them.

They said: "I do not wish to be sitting in my garden in summer surrounded by the smell of cooking which will undoubtedly come from the vents that will be required to be installed to support the kitchen, nor do I want my washing to reek.

"Most restaurants these days offer a takeaway service in addition to their restaurant service - given how small the Cosy Corner is and the limited number of tables that could fit in, I feel this proposal is just a way to get round the two previously rejected planning applications.

"Parking for six cars isn't sufficient. No consideration either for staff parking or deliveries - previously the car park was used for deliveries. If delivery drivers have no where to unload, they'll simply stop in front of the building and cause traffic congestion which is already an issue at peak times."

However those who got behind the plans say they are looking forward to seeing the building back in use.

One commenter said: "Possibly the most realistic solution available to this little pub rather than letting it dilapidate. I can not see it being anymore nuisance that the site previously being a pub.

"Unfortunately I often avoid the town centre in Kilwinning during the evenings due to anti social behaviour so I often take my grandchildren over to Oscars in Saltcoats or Cecchinis in Ardrossan ever since the closure of taylors.

"Hopefully this could be a new alternative and be accommodating to children.

"I would find this easy to access due to the restaurant being on the bus route as I often avoid driving into the town. Very easy commute as I can use the number 11 service."

The application was approved by North Ayrshire Council at the beginning of this month.

Plans can be viewed in full via the council's online planning portal, seraching for reference 23/00166/PP.